ONE of the most popular exhibits at Okehampton's museum is being brought back to life.

A 1922 bullnosed Morris pick-up, which has been a mainstay of the farming gallery in the Museum of Dartmoor Life for over 20 years, will soon be in working order again thanks to Stuart McCullock of McCullock's Garage.

Museum curator Maurie Webber said the Morris was in really good condition and the aim was to get it working, not restoring it to look brand new.

'We do not want it to look like it has come out of a factory - that would be a great shame,' she said. 'But we would like it roadworthy so we could use it to advertise the museum and perhaps take it to local agricultural shows.'

The vehicle, which was used as a farm truck, had been on loan up until 18 months ago when the museum bought it from the owners, who live locally.

'It is one of the few early bullnosed Morris pick-ups left in the country and it has always been one of the most popular items in the museum,' added Maurie.

'While the museum is closed it is an ideal time for Stuart to get it up and running.'

It is hoped to create a new storage area within the current enhancement project to locate the vehicle.

Maurie said Stuart McCullock was a great supporter of the museum with an interest in vintage vehicles and he was one of the people who had organised transport for the removal of museum exhibits while work is carried out.

The £600,000 project will include installing a lift, new heating and lighting systems, a new gallery and walkway, new research department, a section of a bronze age hut for children, interactive exhibits and new displays.

The museum received a Heritage Lottery grant and Objective Two funding and financial contributions from other bodies including West Devon Borough Council, Dartmoor National Park, Okehampton Non-Ecclesiastical Trust, Okehampton Town Council and the Okehampton Disabled Fellowship.

In excess of 2,500 items have already been packed away and there are 1,500 to go plus photos, books and documents.

Army personnel from Okehampton Camp are arriving on Friday to remove all the ground floor exhibits which will be stored at the camp.

'It has been an enormous task and the volunteers led by Jenny Yendall and Paul Hambling have worked so hard,' added Maurie.

'We have had wonderful support from the community and I would like to thank everyone who has helped.'

Although the museum is undergoing a transformation Maurie gives her assurance that the ethos and character will not change a bit when it reopens its doors next May.